The cervix is the part of the uterus that connects the body of the uterus to the vagina. Cervical cancer occurs when cancerous cells originate in the cervix, typically the cells lining the organ. There are different ways of treating cervical cancer, depending on the spread and extent of disease, and one mode of treatment involves radiation therapy. Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy rays, similar to X-rays, to kill cancer cells.
Significance
The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2009 in the United States, approximately 11,270 new diagnoses of invasive cervical cancer were made; noninvasive cervical cancer, or carcinoma in situ, may be about four times more common than invasive cervical cancer. Although it is typically diagnosed in women 50 years old or younger, nearly 20 percent of diagnoses are made in those over 65 years old.
Function
Radiation therapy is used to slow the growth of and kill cancer cells, and also to shrink larger tumors. It can be used in every stage of cervical cancer, either alone or with other modes of treatment. It may also be used palliatively, to relieve symptoms or pain that the cancer is causing and improve quality of life, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Types
The National Cancer Institute describes two types of radiation therapy for cervical cancer: external radiation and brachytherapy. External radiation is when a machine on the outside of the body aims the radiation toward the cancerous area. According to the American Cancer Society, this radiation therapy is usually given along with the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. Brachytherapy is internal radiation, and can be high-dose or low-dose. In brachytherapy, the radioactive substance can be placed in a cylinder in the vagina, or in thin needles that are put inside the tumor.
Time Frame
External radiation therapy is typically done five times a week, for six or seven weeks, whereas brachytherapy is very different. Low-dose brachytherapy is done inpatient, and the radioactive material is held in place for several days; high-dose brachytherapy is outpatient, and involves several visits. In high-dose treatment, the radioactive material is inserted into the vagina for several minutes and subsequently removed.
Side Effects
Oncolink.org lists some side effects of radiation therapy for cervical cancer, including fatigue, diarrhea, upset stomach, nausea or vomiting and skin changes similar to a sunburn. Red and white blood cell counts may decrease due to the treatment, which can lead to anemia and an increased risk of infections; this typically resolves once treatment is over. Painful urination, vaginal atrophy and premature menopause may also occur due to radiation therapy. Sometimes scar tissue forms in the vagina after radiation to the pelvic area, which can lead to painful intercourse. This can be prevented by either having intercourse three to four times a week, or by using a dilator to help stretch the vaginal walls, according to the American Cancer Society.
References
- American Cancer Society: Cervical Cancer: Radiation Therapy
- National Cancer Institute: Cervical Cancer Treatment
- National Cancer Institute: Cervical Cancer Treatment Options by Stage
- American Cancer Society: What are the key statistics about cervical cancer?
- oncolink: Side effects of radiation for cervical cancer
